05/12/2008

• Latest News
• The OHS Act, regulations and codes of practice
• OHS Code 2008
• Compliance and Enforcement
• Workplace accidents & incidents
• HSMAs
• HAZMAT
• Major Hazard Facilities
• Plant Safety
• Information for Employers
• Information for Employees
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Occupational Health and Safety helpdesk
• OHS frequently asked questions
• Virtual Office
  • Floor Plan
  • First Aid
  • Kitchen
  • Reception
  • Office
  • Photocopy Room
  • Document Storage
  • Virtual Office Contact
• OHS Training Provider Register - free service
• OASCC Events Calendar
• Useful Links
• Public Consultation

Office Filing Cabinets

Issue	Hazard	Possible solutions	Check it
Stability	Cabinet tipping over if top drawer is open and cabinet is not restrained. Drawers sliding open if cabinet is not standing level and is not locked shut.	Place back of cabinet close against wall if possible, to minimise risk of tipping forwards. Check that all file cabinets stand level, and use wedges and spirit level to achieve level position. Check all cabinets to ensure that drawers will not slide open when the cabinet is unlocked.
Weight distribution	Tipping caused by placing heaviest files or other contents in top drawer, whilst lower drawers are empty or have comparatively light contents.	Check relative weights of contents of cabinets and arrange for these to be re-distributed if necessary to place heavier contents in lowest drawers.
Over-filling	Muscular strain-type injuries caused by needing to use excessive force to remove or insert files from tightly packed drawers, (especially in drawers above waist height).	Periodically review contents of file cabinets and relocate little-used files to archival storage or a central file storage area.
Obstruction	Open drawers causing obstruction of office traffic ways.	Relocate filing cabinets with sliding drawers which open on to passageways. Ensure that file cabinets bordering on passageways are of the sliding door type with lateral shelving for file storage.

 

Further Information

Regulations
Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994 Part 5: Manual Handling

Comcare Guidance Material
OHS Book 1 - Officewise

OHS Book 31 - Manual Handling, Reducing Injuries

Other Guidance Material
ASCC Index of National Standards, Codes of Practice and related Guidance Notes

---

 SHARE IT!
We want to make the 'Virtual Office' serve your needs even better by making it interactive!
We welcome your participation by drawing on your experience to add to the contents of this page.

Virtual Office is managed by the Comcare Compliance Assistance Section. 

Page last updated:June 23, 2008